The two plants are very different in appearance. Russian sage is a woody shrub with silvery-green leaves, while lavender is a herbaceous plant with green or grey-green leaves. Russian sage flowers are blue or purple, while lavender flowers can be any shade of purple, from pale to deep violet.
Lavender has a strong, sweet scent which is used in perfumes and soaps, while Russian sage has a more pungent, slightly bitter scent.
If you were to ask me what my two favorite herbs are, I would have to say Russian sage and lavender. Both of these herbs have so many uses and they smell absolutely amazing! But which one is better?
Let’s compare the two:
– Russian sage has a woody, earthy scent that some people find a bit strong. Lavender, on the other hand, has a light, floral scent that is very pleasant.
– Russian sage is an annual herb, meaning it only lives for one growing season. Lavender is a perennial herb, meaning it will come back year after year.
– Russian sage can reach up to 4 feet tall, while lavender typically only grows to be about 2 feet tall.
– Both herbs are drought tolerant and do not need a lot of water to survive.
So, which one is better? I honestly can’t decide!
They both have their own unique qualities that make them wonderful in their own way. If you’re looking for an herb that smells great and is easy to care for, either one would be a great choice!
Russian Sage Vs Lavender Vs Catmint
When it comes to choosing the right plant for your garden, there are a few factors to consider. One important factor is what kind of climate you live in. If you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, then you’ll want to choose plants that can withstand both extremes.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a good option for hot, dry climates. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that can handle long periods without water. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is another option for hot, dry climates.
It’s known for its calming scent and pretty purple flowers. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a good choice for cooler climates. It’s a hardy plant that does well in colder weather and can even tolerate frost.
What to Do With Russian Sage
If you’re looking for a plant that will add both beauty and function to your landscape, Russian sage is a great option. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. Russian sage also has a long blooming season, providing color and interest from summer through fall.
When choosing a spot for your Russian sage, look for an area with full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, this plant is quite tolerant of drought, so it’s a good choice for hot, dry locations. If you live in an area with heavy rains or high humidity, consider planting Russian sage in raised beds or on slopes to improve drainage.
Once you’ve selected the perfect location, it’s time to get planting! Russian sage can be started from seedlings or cuttings taken from mature plants. If you start with seedlings, be sure to space them 18-24 inches apart to allow room for growth.
If you’re propagating from cuttings, dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in moistened potting mix. Place the pots in a warm location out of direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Once your plants are established, they’ll need very little care – just the occasional watering during extended periods of drought.
You can deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering, but it’s not necessary for the health of the plant. In fact, many gardeners appreciate the winter interest provided by the dried flower stalks ofRussian sage.
Russian Sage Vs Lavender Smell
When it comes to fragrance, there are few plants more polarizing than lavender and Russian sage. On one hand, you have the herbaceous, woody smell of lavender that has been used for centuries in perfumes and soaps. On the other hand, there’s the warm, spicy scent of Russian sage that is often used in potpourri and candles.
So which one is better?
The answer, of course, depends on your personal preference. If you like floral scents, then lavender is probably your best bet.
If you prefer something a little more earthy or musky, then Russian sage might be more up your alley. But there are also some objective differences between these two fragrances that can help you make a decision.
Lavender tends to be sweeter and more subdued than Russian sage.
It’s also less likely to cause headaches or migraines in people who are sensitive to strong smells. In general, lavender is considered to be a calming scent that can promote relaxation and sleep.
Russian sage, on the other hand, is often described as being sharper and more pungent than lavender.
It can also be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to strong fragrances. However, many people find that the scent of Russian sage helps them focus and concentrate better during activities like work or studying.
So which one should you choose?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a relaxing fragrance that won’t overwhelm your senses, go with lavender.
Russian Sage Winter
If you’re looking for a plant that will give your garden some color during the winter months, Russian sage is a great option. This perennial herb is native to the Steppes of Russia, and it’s known for its ability to thrive in dry, sandy soils. The silvery-gray leaves of Russian sage are aromatic and have a slightly fuzzy texture.
The flowers are small and blue-purple in color, and they bloom from late summer into fall. Russian sage is a drought-tolerant plant, so it’s a good choice for gardens in areas with little rainfall. It’s also relatively deer-resistant, which is another plus if you live in an area where deer are a problem.
Russian Sage Tea
If you’re looking for an herbal tea with a fresh, slightly minty flavor, Russian sage tea is a great choice. This tea is made from the leaves of the Perovskia atriplicifolia plant, which is native to central Asia. The leaves are dried and then brewed in hot water to make the tea.
Russian sage tea has a number of potential health benefits. It’s thought to be helpful in relieving anxiety and promoting relaxation. This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for an herbal tea to help you wind down at the end of the day.
Russian sage tea is also sometimes used as a natural treatment for digestive issues like stomach pain and diarrhea.
To make Russian sage tea, start by boiling water and then steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 8 ounces of hot water for 5-10 minutes. If you find the flavor too strong, try adding a bit of honey or lemon juice to taste.
You can also buy pre-packaged Russian sage tea bags if you’d like convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Russian Sage Edible
Are you looking for an herb that is both beautiful and delicious? If so, then you need to check out Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)! This stunning plant is native to the steppes of central Asia, and has been used in Russian folk medicine for centuries.
The leaves of Russian sage are edible, and have a slightly minty flavor that makes them a great addition to salads or as a garnish. The flowers are also edible, and make a beautiful addition to any dish. Just be sure to remove the stamens before eating, as they can be quite bitter.
In addition to being delicious, Russian sage is also incredibly easy to grow. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much care once it is established. So if you’re looking for an herb that will add beauty AND flavor to your life, then look no further than Russian sage!
Catmint Vs Russian Sage
Most people are familiar with catmint (Nepeta cataria), a common herb in the mint family. It’s known for its fragrant leaves and flowers, which attract cats and other animals. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a less well-known member of the mint family, but it’s just as useful – if not more so!
– than catmint. Here’s a comparison of these two herbs to help you decide which one is right for your garden.
Catmint vs Russian Sage: Which Herb Is Right For Your Garden?
When it comes to herbs, most people are familiar with catmint (Nepeta cataria). This plant is part of the mint family and is known for its fragrant leaves and flowers, which attract cats and other animals. However, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is another member of the mint family that deserves some attention.
Though it’s not as well-known as catmint, this herb has many features that make it just as useful – if not more so! Here’s a comparison of these two herbs to help you decide which one is right for your garden.
Appearance: Catmint typically grows to be about 2 feet tall and has greenish-gray leaves.
The flowers are small and lavender in color. Russian sage, on the other hand, can grow up to 6 feet tall with silver-green leaves. The blue or purple flowers appear in clusters on top of the plant.
Uses: Both catmint and Russian sage can be used for ornamental purposes in the garden. However, onlycatnip can be eaten by humans – Russian sage should not be consumed due to its bitter taste. In addition, both plants can be used to make tea (though again, only catnip should be consumed internally).
Finally, both herbs have essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy or other purposes.
Russian Sage Pruning
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody, perennial herb that is native to the steppes of central Asia. It grows 3-4 feet tall and has blue-green leaves and lavender flowers. Russian sage is drought tolerant and does not require much pruning.
However, it can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems.

Credit: worldofgardenplants.com
Is Russian Sage the Same As Lavender?
No, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and lavender (Lavandula spp.) are not the same. Both are members of the mint family, but Russian sage is in the subtribe Perovskiinae and lavender is in the subfamily Lamioideae. Additionally, Russian sage is native to central Asia while lavender is native to the Mediterranean.
They also have different appearances – Russian sage has silver-green leaves and lavender has greenish-grey leaves. Finally, they have different uses – Russian sage is used as an ornamental plant andlavender is used for its essential oils.
What Does Russian Sage Smell Like?
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a summer day and caught a whiff of something that smells like sage, chances are it was Russian sage. This perennial herb is known for its fragrant leaves and stems, which release a pungent, earthy aroma when they’re crushed. The scent of Russian sage is often described as being similar to that of rosemary or thyme, with hints of lemon and mint.
It’s this unique blend of floral and herbaceous notes that make Russian sage such a popular ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and other fragrance products.
Are Russian Sage Invasive?
Most plants in our gardens are not native to North America. In fact, many of the ornamentals we grow were introduced here from other continents. This is both good and bad.
Good because it gives us a wide variety of plants to choose from and bad because some of these non-natives can become invasive, crowding out our natives and changing the ecology of an area.
So, is Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) an invasive plant? The simple answer is no…at least not yet.
Russian sage is not on any state or federal lists of invasive species (that I could find). However, it is considered an aggressive spreader in some areas and has the potential to become invasive if left unchecked.
Native to central Asia, Russian sage was introduced into North America in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant.
It quickly became popular due to its showy flowers and drought tolerance. Today, it is widely planted across the United States in landscapes and gardens.
While Russian sage isn’t currently considered invasive, it can be quite aggressive in spreading once established.
The roots system produces numerous suckers that can quickly fill in an area. The plant also self-seeds readily, dropping thousands of tiny seeds that germinate easily (even in poor soils). If you have Russian sage growing in your garden, be sure to deadhead regularly (removing spent flowers) to help prevent unwanted seedlings from popping up everywhere!
What is Russian Sage Good For?
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and useful, Russian sage is a great option. This perennial herb has pretty blue-purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. It’s also drought tolerant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
In addition to its ornamental value, Russian sage has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
The leaves and flowers of Russian sage are used to make teas and tinctures that are said to be helpful for digestive issues like indigestion, gas, and diarrhea. It’s also sometimes used as a mild sedative or sleep aid.
Russian sage is sometimes applied topically to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Some people also use it as an insect repellent.
While Russian sage is generally considered safe, it can cause some side effects like nausea and vomiting if taken in large doses.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid using this herb.
Pruning Perennial Plants in Spring | RUSSIAN SAGE + LAVENDER
Conclusion
This blog post was very informative and helpful in distinguishing between Russian sage and lavender. I found it especially helpful that the author included pictures of each plant so that readers could see the differences for themselves. After reading this post, I now have a better understanding of these two plants and can confidently tell them apart.